Exciting Scandinavian sights (that aren’t the Northern Lights)
Scandinavia is home to some of the most beautiful natural wonders in the world. The most famous of these is the Northern Lights, but there are plenty of other exciting sights that you can experience when visiting the region.
Blue Lagoon
Iceland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Scandinavia, and with sights like the Blue Lagoon it’s not hard to see why. The Blue Lagoon is a series of naturally heated pools near the Icelandic capital of Reykjavik. No matter when you visit, the pools are always warm, and are rich in natural minerals. If you want somewhere to relax, this is perhaps the best place in all of Scandinavia.
Koli National Park
For the best hiking experience in Scandinavia and Scandinavian sights, be sure to visit Koli National Park in Finland. A roughly six-hour drive from Helsinki, Koli National Park features nearly 50 miles of trails, with forests and meadows providing some stunning landscapes. Traverse up Ukko-Koli Hill and you’ll be treated to a stunning panoramic view of the beautiful Lake Pielinen. As well as hiking, the park is also home to skiing and cycling as well as a relaxing spa.
Oresund Underwater Bridge
A stunning feat of architecture, the Oresund Underwater Bridge is a drive that everyone must experience at least once in their life. Beginning just outside of Malmo in Sweden, this five-mile-long bridge stretches under the Oresund Strait, descending into the sea before re-emerging in Amager in Denmark.
The Fjords of Norway
Norway is full of beautiful fjords- narrow inlets created by glaciers- with more than 1,000 of them found throughout the country. Some of the most popular fjords include the Lysefjord in Ryfylke, the Hardangerfjord just south of Bergen and the Nᴂroyfjord, which is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Last but not least there’s the Sognefjord, often referred to as “the king of the fjords”. Stretching more than 200 kilometres, this is the longest fjord in Norway. As well as the stunning scenery, these fjords are also home to several charming villages, Viking architecture, bike and hiking trails and glaciers. There’s also the option to go kayaking.
Visiting these fjords is simple; many of them can be easily travelled along in a cruise ship. Many UK-based cruise ships, such as P&O Cruises, offer a round-trip cruise of some of the biggest fjords in the country.
The Ice Hotel
In the small town of Jukkasjärvi in northern Sweden you’ll find the iconic Ice Hotel. First opened in the 1980’s with just one room, today the Ice Hotel features more than 70 deluxe suites, all built with ice blocks taken from the local river. With stunning murals and ice statues from local sculptors, the Ice Hotel is an incredibly unique experience that everyone visiting Scandinavia should have on their bucket list. Located more than a hundred miles north of the Arctic Circle, the Ice Hotel is the perfect place for tourists looking for a truly remote destination.
These are just five of the incredible sights that can be found in Scandinavia. With stunning natural beauty, incredible architectural feats and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, Scandinavia is a must-visit tourist destination.